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Bring a Pet Dog into the United

States

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Rabies Alert

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has extended its temporary

suspension on importing dogs from high-risk rabies countries through July 31, 2024.

For more details, visit the CDC.

If you have questions about CDC requirements, contact CDC-INFO or call them at

404-718-3660.
This page will guide you through the requirements for bringing privately owned, pet

dogs into the United States from another country, including U.S. returning dogs.

If you're bringing dogs into the United States for commercial sale or adoption,

additional requirements will apply.

Carefully read ALL requirements on this page.

Failure to meet these import requirements will result in problems upon arrival

in the United States, and the pet may be refused entry.

Multiple U.S. agencies regulate pets imported into the United States. It's

important that you notify and coordinate with all responsible Government

agencies.

APHIS Veterinary Services Requirements

Screwworm
Dogs traveling from countries or regions where screwworm is known to exist may

enter the United States if they're accompanied by a certificate signed by a full-time

salaried veterinary official of the region of origin (official government veterinarian)

stating:

The dog has been inspected for screwworm within 5 days before shipment to

the United States, and

The dog is either free from screwworm, OR

The dog was infested with screwworm, held in quarantine, and treated until

free from screwworm, before leaving the region.

Find out which countries are affected by screwworm

Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Dogs coming from a country that is affected by foot-and-mouth disease must meet

the following requirements:

Their fur and bedding must be free of excessive dirt, hay, or straw.

The dog should be bathed as soon as it reaches its destination and kept

separate from all livestock for 5 days after entering the United States.

Find out which countries are affected by foot-and-mouth disease

Additional Considerations for Dogs Used in

Livestock Handling

Dogs used in livestock handling that are imported from any part of the

world—except Canada, Mexico, and certain regions of Central America and the West

Indies—should have no evidence of tapeworm infection.

Other Federal Requirements

Rabies

The CDC has extended its temporary suspension on importing dogs from high-risk

rabies countries through July 31, 2024. For more information, read the "Rabies Alert"
notice at the top of this page or visit the CDC.

Dogs for Commercial Sale or Adoption

Dogs being imported into the United States for commercial sale or adoption must

meet additional requirements. If you have questions about these requirements or

need help applying for an import permit, contact APHIS Animal Care.

U.S. State and Territory Requirements

Domestic movement requirements are set by the receiving State or Territory.

Visit the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture to find your

destination's agriculture department and check its website for requirements.

For questions or clarification on any of the requirements, contact the State or

Territorial veterinarian's office.

Airline Requirements

Check with your airline to determine whether they have any additional

requirements.

Need Help?

For general questions related to the import of a live animal:

Live Animal Import and Export

Email: laie@usda.gov

Phone: 301-851-3300